INVITATION FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - BOARD DIRECTOR (VOLUNTARY)

Women with Disabilities ACT (WWDACT) seeks expressions of interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and committed people to join its volunteer Board at the 2022 AGM.

WWDACT is a systemic advocacy and peer support organisation for women, girls, non-binary and feminine identifying people with disabilities in the ACT and region. WWDACT follows a human rights philosophy, based on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). WWDACT has won several awards for our work, including a Commendation at the 2019 Inclusion Awards for Excellence in Championing Human Rights and Equality, the 2015 Chief Minister’s Inclusion Award for Excellence in Championing Human Rights and the 2012 International Women’s Day Award, Community Category.

WWDACT is seeking new Board members who have a passionate interest in disability rights and a willingness to contribute their professional expertise to its governance. Board members must identify as a woman with disability(ies) and reside within the ACT region. Skills in philanthropic fund raising, marketing and communications, strategy and organisational development, public relations or human resources are highly desirable. In exchange we offer the opportunity to make a positive contribution to an organisation that makes a difference to women with disabilities in the ACT region.

WWDACT’s values are:

• Led by lived experience: We are affiliated as a Disabled Person’s Organisation (DPO) and are the peak body for women with disability in the ACT. We are primarily governed by women with disabilities.
• Feminist & intersectional: We aim to be as inclusive and intersectional in our advocacy as possible.
• Systemic advocacy: We advocate for women with disabilities to be valued in an inclusive society, living meaningful lives as part of the community.

About the position

The WWDACT Board is above all else the guarantor of the integrity of the organisation. WWDACT Board Directors are appointed for a 2-year term, with the option of re-appointment for a second 2-year term.

Amongst other things, the WWDACT Board is expected to exercise the following key responsibilities:

• Ensure that WWDACT’s mission is clear, appropriate and maintains relevance as times change;
• Provide guidance for and setting the direction of the organisation.
• Ensure executive performance by setting objectives and performance indicators for the CEO and regularly reviewing their performance;
• Ensure that WWDACT obtains and appropriately uses the resources required to carry out WWDACT mission and sustain it;
• Be satisfied as to the adequacy and integrity of financial and other reporting to the Board and that there are adequate systems of internal control;
• Be satisfied that systems for identification and management of risks are robust and appropriate; and
• Comply with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Governance Standards.

Directors are required to uphold their statutory and fiduciary duties to act with in good faith; are to avoid conflicts of interests and owe a duty of care, diligence and skill.

Knowledge & Skills

Ideally, candidates will:

• Fully understand and commit to our mission, goal and values,
• Display leadership,
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively, and
• Speak up and ask the hard questions.

Additional Desirable Attributes

• An understanding of the challenges experienced by people with disability
• An understanding of the disability sector in Australia
• An understanding of the not-for-profit sector and membership-based organisations in Australia.
• A strong existing network that can help drive opportunities and outcomes for the organisation.
• Previous governance experience and/or relevant governance qualifications.

Time Commitment

The WWDACT Board members are eligible for re-appointment every two years. Service on the board is of a voluntary nature. Board members are currently responsible for the governance of the organisation and direction of the CEO.

Board meetings occur every 6 weeks. Attend (either in person or via Zoom) scheduled Board meetings of approximately 1-2 hours each, as well as additional meetings from time to time that may be required throughout the year.

• Attend the AGM once per year for up to 1 hour. This will either be in-person or via Zoom (depending on COVID restrictions and the associated situation at the time).
• To contribute to network, promote and explore opportunities for the organisation, depending on availability.
• Undertake special projects and assignments in conjunction with other Board members to assist in progressing the organisation’s purpose and mission.

Inquiries should be sent to the Board Chair, Isabel [email protected] using the subject line: Board Director (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.